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User-Based Redistribution in Free-Floating Bike Sharing Systems

In: Operations Research Proceedings 2018

Author

Listed:
  • Christoph Heitz

    (Zurich University of Applied Sciences)

  • Roman Etschmann

    (Zurich University of Applied Sciences)

  • Raoul Stoeckle

    (smide KmG)

  • Thomas Bachmann

    (La Mobilière)

  • Matthias Templ

    (Zurich University of Applied Sciences)

Abstract

We investigate the problem of user-based redistribution for free-floating bike sharing systems (BSS). We present a stochastic model of the bike dynamics and we show that the spatial distribution of bikes is correlated. This is specific to free-floating systems and it results in a substantially reduced service level. Offering incentives to users may stimulate them to change their behavior and usage pattern. We analyze drop-off incentives, derive an incentive methodology and study its potential. We show that by implementing a smart incentive system, the number of bikes for establishing a specific service level can be reduced significantly, even if only a minority of users participates. Under realistic behavioral assumptions, 30–50% reduction of bikes is achievable, which converts into substantial costs savings for the operator. Our research was carried out in the context of the development of the new e-bike sharing system “smide” in Zurich, launched in 2017. The incentive approach has been implemented and tested in a field test.

Suggested Citation

  • Christoph Heitz & Roman Etschmann & Raoul Stoeckle & Thomas Bachmann & Matthias Templ, 2019. "User-Based Redistribution in Free-Floating Bike Sharing Systems," Operations Research Proceedings, in: Bernard Fortz & Martine Labbé (ed.), Operations Research Proceedings 2018, pages 555-562, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:oprchp:978-3-030-18500-8_69
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-18500-8_69
    as

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